Monster-in-Law (2005)

The love life of Charlotte is reduced to an endless string of disastrous blind dates, until she meets the perfect man, Kevin. Unfortunately, his merciless mother will do anything to destroy their relationship.

Director:

Robert Luketic

Writer:

Anya Kochoff

Stars:

Jennifer Lopez, Jane Fonda, Michael Vartan

1 win & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jennifer Lopez	...	Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini
Jane Fonda	...	Viola Fields
Michael Vartan	...	Dr. Kevin Fields
Wanda Sykes	...	Ruby
Adam Scott	...	Remy
Monet Mazur	...	Fiona
Annie Parisse	...	Morgan
Will Arnett	...	Kit
Elaine Stritch	...	Gertrude
Stephen Dunham	...	Dr. Paul Chamberlain
Randee Heller	...	Beverly Hills Dog Owner
Mark Moses	...	Coffee Shop Customer
Tomiko Fraser	...	Coffee Shop Clerk
Rochelle Flexer	...	Dr. Patel's Nurse
Wayne Nickel	...	George

Storyline

After years of looking for Mr. Right, Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini finally finds the man of her dreams, Kevin Fields, only to discover that his mother, Viola, is the woman of her nightmares. A recently fired news anchor who is afraid she will lose her son the way she has just lost her career, Viola determines to scare off her son's new fiancé by becoming the world's worst mother-in-law. While Viola's long-time assistant Ruby does her best to help Viola execute her crazy schemes, Charlie decides to fight back and the gloves come off as the two women battle it out to see just who is the alpha-female.

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Plot Keywords:

mother in law | breakdown | scheme | dog walker | mansion | 

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Taglines:

This relationship is going to be a real mother.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for sex references and language

Details

Official Sites:

New Line Cinema [us]

Country:

Germany USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 May 2005 (USA)

Also Known As:

Das Schwiegermonster

Filming Locations:

Culver Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$60,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,307,593 (Italy) (7 October 2005)

Gross:

$1,307,593 (Italy) (7 October 2005)

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, BenderSpink, Spring Creek Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mark Ruffalo was originally offered the male lead, but declined.

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Goofs

When Viola and Charlie are sitting at the table talking, Viola's glasses are alternately on/off between shots.

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Quotes

[first lines]
[Charlie sitting at her desk at home. Phone rings. Charlie lets the answering machine pick up and listens to the recording]
Charlotte 'Charlie' Cantilini: [Answering machine message] Hi, it's Charlie. Leave a message.
[Answering machine beeps to signal beginning of message]
Carol, from LA Temp Agency: [Leaving message on answering machine] Hi Charlie, it's Carol from the L.A. Temp Agency. Listen, Dr. Patel's office needs you for tomorrow. Is that ok? Let me know. Bye.
[Answering machine beeps signaling end of message]
Remy: [Charlie sketching]
[...]

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Connections

References Benji (1974)

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Soundtracks

"Make Up Bag"
Written by Savan Kolecha, Andrew Frampton and Wayne Wilkins
Performed by Andrew Frampton, Wayne Wilkins, and Emma Rhodes
Courtesy of Photogenic

User Reviews

Welcome back, Jane!

What a surprisingly funny movie! I took my mother to the sneak preview of Monster-in-Law on Mother's Day and we had a great time. At first, I thought this film would be average and predictable. But Jane Fonda's performance changed my mind. I'm glad that she decided to make a comeback after 15 years. She did such a good job! I wouldn't be surprised if Ms. Fonda was nominated for at least a Golden Globe for her outstanding comedic performance. It was high time Jane Fonda returned to the big screen. Welcome back, Jane! Wanda Sykes was hysterical. Her one-liners were priceless! And Jennifer Lopez was actually really good too, as was Michael Vartan. I highly recommend seeing this movie.